In a recent event of arrest of three Newport News residents, the trio is looking at a trial for combined charges of drug abuse and child abuse. They were allegedly found in possession of heroin while traveling in a car with two young children.
This was discovered after a traffic stop on July 5 in the 6600 block of Route 17. Reportedly, after halting the vehicle a deputy approached and he saw alleged drug paraphernalia and a substance suspected to be heroin.
The three adults inside the vehicle, Melissa I. Elliott and Murriel I. Holt and James E. Viens, are each charged with two counts of abuse and neglect of children, one count of possessing and distributing controlled paraphernalia and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Elliott was also charged with receiving stolen goods. Holt is facing an addition count of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. It was also said that the two young children, aged 7 and 3, were also found sitting in the car.
A child is considered to have been abused if the parent or custodian manufactures a controlled substance in the presence of a child or on premises occupied by a child; exposes a child to, or allows a child to be present where, chemicals or equipment for the manufacture of controlled substances are used or stored; sells, distributes, or gives drugs or alcohol to a child; uses a controlled substance that impairs the caregiver’s ability to adequately care for the child; or exposing a child to the criminal sale or distribution of drug.
In the above case, it is not clear if the adults are related in any way to the children or not. If they are related, then the first step would be to order temporary separation for till the issue is resolved. The trial will begin in September 2013, only then the status of the parties will be clear.
